The Alpha Sunshine

Happily Ever After.

"Ten....Nine...Eight..."

Thaddeus' rough voice filled the quiet space. He stood in the corner of the living room, just behind the couch, counting.

"Seven....Six...Five..."

Before Lucille came into his life, he never cared much for games. They wasted time and effort. He would much prefer to work, in a dark and silent space. But his pregnant mate and his little son loved this game. Thaddeus Jr., or TJ, was two today. The time had flown. Little TJ was his pride and joy. Thad took TJ everywhere. They were practically attached at the hip.

"Four....Three....Two....One!"

Thad turned quickly, his sharp eyes raking over the room. He stalked past the couch, and noticed a tiny lump under a throw blanket. Hm. He raised a blonde brow, and stomped his feet to make it seem like he was leaving the room. He dropped to his knees, and crawled towards the blanket. The blanket lifted at the edge, just a tiny bit. So quick that if you were human, you wouldn't have been able to catch it. One little brown eye peeked out. Then disappeared. The lump giggled. Thad stood, and contemplated how he would discover the boy. The swinging door to the kitchen pushed open, and his pregnant mate waddled in.

"Hm. I can't seem to find TJ. Oh, well, babe. Guess it's good we are going to have another. Guess I lost TJ!"

And with that, he sighed, and sat. He was careful not to put his weight on the bump. The blanket snickered, and shook again. He stood.

"What the...!"

The blanket was tossed back, revealing his little boy. TJ's blonde curls shook as he giggled in delight. He threw himself at Thaddeus, who caught him easily.

"Daddy!"

Thaddeus didn't think he'd get used to the title. It had such a natural feel to it, though. Him, a father. Today was TJ's birthday. His second birthday. He felt like it was just yesterday that Thaddeus Junior was born. His gaze caught Lucille's, whose eyes were filled with happy tears. She held her arms out, and TJ squirmed in his daddy's arms. Thaddeus lowered him to the floor, and TJ shot across the room to his mommy. He stopped himself just in time from tackling her.

"Sawwy, Mommy. I be carefuw, doe."

TJ loved the idea of being a big brother. And so did Thaddeus and Lucille. TJ loved Thaddeus' big family. He loved attention, and being hugged. He especially loved his Aunties Cat and Ari, who spoiled him like crazy. The theme to TJ's party was "superheroes". His mommy was working on a costume with him to surprise Daddy. The whole family was going to show up in costume!

**************

"Ouchie, Mommy. Dat hurt!"

TJ was sitting on the bathroom counter while Lucille brushed his hair. His little curls knotted so easily. Especially with all his playing and rolling around! She ran the brush through the little tangles and murmured soothingly. Even though she was tempted to gel it back out of his face, she knew he wouldn't like it. He had thought of his costume all by himself.

He was wearing a tiny suit and tie, his blonde hair brushed, and on the bridge of his nose sat glasses that were black, and a tad too big for him. He raised his arms to Lulu, wanting her to hold him.

"Let's go find Daddy!"

He nodded enthusiastically, excited about his costume. They found Thaddeus in the back of the closet, buttoning his cufflinks. Ahem. He stepped out of the closet, his gaze settling on TJ. He choked on his words. TJ's costume matched his. TJ in a tiny suit, and big black glasses.

"Daddy! I is you!" TJ smiled big, and Thad scooped him up, giving him a big birthday bear hug.

The doorbell rang, announcing the presence of their family. TJ pulled his parents down the stairs, towards the door. Thad's family, Cata, Ari, and Lulu's mother stood in the entryway. Even though Lucille had kept her mom in the dark, all had worked out after Thaddy was born. Lulu thought maybe it was because her mom was desperate for more babies in the family. But she didn't care. T.J came out holding his daddy's hand, pulling him into the center of the room. They all oohed and awed over TJ and Thad matching.

The cake was set up on a tray in the kitchen. It was a Spiderman cake, with a lot of red frosting and sugared webs. The food was all of TJ's favorites, which were vaguely similar to his daddy's. Chicken tenders and french fries! TJ ate happily, munching and talking. All of his favorite people came, too! When he got to presents, he said his thank yous, enjoying every single gift. It was apparent that he was raised right. Lucille and Thaddeus were great parents, and everyone knew it....including little TJ.